Epson Apex Product Support Bulletin(s) - Page 19
Epson, Product Support Bulletin - printer
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EPSON EPSON AMERICA INC. SERVICE DEPARTMENT PRODUCT SUPPORT BULLETIN DATE: 12/14/87 NUMBER: S-0031 SUBJECT: Equity Series with Microsoft Word and Serial Printers This bulletin is to inform you of a potential problem when using Microsoft Word, certain Equity computers and a serial printer. The situation exists on: Equity I Equity I+ Equity II+ Equity III+ (10 MHz) Equity III+ (12 MHz) Apex BIOS rev. 2.21 or earlier BIOS rev. 1.02 BIOS rev. 2.00 BIOS rev. 1.50 or earlier BIOS rev. 2.00 BIOS rev. 1.00 When Word is configured to drive a serial printer via COM1 or COM2, it will print a character every 1 to 2 seconds. A single line of text may take up to a minute to print. Word uses BIOS interrupt 14h (serial output) function 1 (send character to port) for driving either COM port. The function number is placed in the AH register and the interrupt called. On return, AH is supposed to contain the line control status. However, AH is still set to 1, indicating that a character is ready to be received. Word then calls interrupt 14h, function 2 (receive character) and attempts to receive the character. After 1 to 2 seconds, the routine times out and transmission is resumed. There are three methods of correcting this situation: 1) If the printer supports hardware handshaking, redirect the printer output (MODE LPT1:=COM1:) and configure Word for LPT1. This works reliably with Epson printers or similar devices. 2 ) Epson has developed a patch program (SERFIX.COM). This is a TSR that insures that proper status is returned from INT 14h, function 1. This program is available from CompuServe (Epson and Microsoft Forums) and the Product Support Center BBS. 3) A revised ROM BIOS has been developed for 'the above systems. This is a limited release and will only be supplied on an as-needed basis. Method 1 is the easiest solution. Method 2 is effective and is recommended for individual users. Method 3 should be reserved for large, multi-unit upgrades on an as-needed basis. Please contact the Systems Support Group if you need additional information. Page 1 of 1